Here are a few lessons I learned during the renovation, many of which stemmed from the age of the house and unexpected hidden damages:1.Damaged Plumbing: Several plumbing pipes were ruptured or severely damaged, requiring replacement.2.Termite Infestation: I discovered termites, which led to additional costs for treatment and repairs.3.Rotted Wood: Significant sections of wood in the structure were rotted and had to be replaced.4.Lack of Insulation: There was no insulation in the att Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

We are only selling completed homes with our own in house financing currently at 3.75%, a huge discount from most bank rates.We are a long time property provider for some of the bigger podcasters: Real Estate Guys Radio, Marco Santorelli (Norada), Kathy Fetke (RWN) Jason Hartman ( Empowerd Investor) GRE (Keith Weinhold), Whitecoat Investor Group and more We also work with American Homes for Rent, Invitation Homes, Crescent, Haven Realty (JP Morgan) to name a few on the institutional side We are partially owned as of 2022 by Sumitomom Forestry, which means we have no bank debt and self fund all our building projects.

If you discovered the issue before paying for the appraisal that could hopefully save some costs (in case the appraiser is with the wrong AMC).Pre-vetting with the lender on rental history/AIRbnb/1007 as well as seasoning could help. 

Like me, you’ll quickly discover it’s not a walk in the park.

As for the point before you're first-- yes most folks think it's institution driving up these prices.

The property had a first mortgage, as well as a second mortgage, both from the same purchase money lender.After receiving the trustee’s deed and recording it, I discovered two “Independent Solar Energy Producer Contracts” recorded against the home.

Unfortunately with those numbers it's tough to find a non-bank lender/financial institution that will lend.Usually loan minimums are $50K and the up to 75% LTV on purchase-money/70% LTV on cash-out refinancing, which basically means you need up 25-30% depending on the type of financing. 

It may create a problem for you later if your bank discovers the account is owned by an LLC that no longer exists.

The real estate landscape is always evolving, presenting new opportunities to discover.

Deposits from the tenant.Security deposits from the tenant in residential dwelling units shall be deposited in a trust account with a licensed and federally insured depository institution lawfully doing business in this State or the landlord may, at his option, furnish a bond from an insurance company licensed to do business in North Carolina.